Whats it like to move to and live in Crete? Crete is an excellent island to live on too. However, you might want to consider professional help. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. To be eligible for state healthcare, you must be a taxpayer and belong to a national healthcare organisation. Greece charges an annual property tax thats determined by the propertys purpose and must be declared on your annual tax returns. Our historic center is really charming, with romantic cobblestone alleys, a magical Venetian harbor, and dozens of little bars and taverns serving fantastic local wines and tasty Greek food. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. wondering about the daily earthquakes/tremors and what expats feel about these? Greece Expat Forum for Expats Living in Greece, Australia Expat Forum for Expats Living in AU, Britain Expat Forum for Expats Living in the UK, Dubai Expat Forum for Expats Living in Dubai, Spain Expat Forum for Expats Living in Spain, France Expat Forum for Expats Living in France. The capital of Greece, Athens, is named after the goddess Athena. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Shelters on Crete are full so contacting on is almost a pointless exercise. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. Even though technically that is true, some of the bureaucrats here still ask you for one for certain things, like if you buy a car here you still have to get a residence permit. You will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. But youll also find plenty of support. No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. First off, Cyprus is both more extensive and more densely populated. we have been to Crete a couple of time and have noticed that agios nikolaos seems to be very popular with expats and has many shops, it is beautiful! Its very picturesque and has more small villages compared to the north. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad, share tips about moving to the place the expat now calls home, and information about what to see and do here. An example is IKA, which is the largest social security organisation in Greece and is for those in standard employment. As more tourists head to the island, incidences of petty crimes like this do arise, but they generally target tourists who carry around larger amounts of cash for holiday spending. Responsibilities: POSITION SUMMARY: Each CNA and Med Aide, regardless of title, enhances the living experience for Tabitha's Seniors/residents/clients (hereinafter, "Seniors/clients") by . For many people, living in Crete full-time is a dream come true. Whichever country you are moving from, you will need a nice, extended expiration date on your passport. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. as well as having lots more info about living in Crete and Greece. Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. Simple and extremely flavorful dishes, made exclusively with seasonal products. To learn more, read our guide How To Access Healthcare When You Move Abroad all you need to know about your post-Brexit healthcare options in Europe. English Expats In Crete, Greece If you are looking to connect with English expats in Crete, Greece, then this page brings together all the latest expat blogs Crete written by English bloggers, any interviews, articles and news items we have here at ExpatsBlog.com. We have some friends who long term renters. iI went out for a holiday when I was 18 years old and just never really came home again.i have been backwards and forwards a few times over the years but I always end up going back.If you stay longer than 6 months then you will need a residence permit which you can obtain from your local police station.you will need to open a bank account and have enough money to live on if you are not working.The life in greece is fantastic but wages are a lot lower than in the UK.Good luck! While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. You can take language classes with other expats if you move to a large town. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. Visa And Residency Options In Greece For Non-EU Nationals. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. You can spend three months getting a feel for the island before you need to apply for residency. Hello. Its not surprising, that Greece is one of the best places to retire indeed. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. But what are the opportunities for people looking to move there permanently? Generally, all along the north coast of the island have excellent public transport, making it easier if you dont drive. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. There is a shortcut to residency in Greece, known as the Golden Visa program. Greece has a more complicated tax system than you might be used to. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. Everything then fell into place little by little, with time. While villas and apartment blocks are common in the cities, stone farmhouses are popular in the countryside. Honestly, every part of Crete is an excellent place to live, but depending on what sort of lifestyle you want, you will want to choose a part of the island that matches your lifestyle. The area known as Apokoronas, situated between the major towns of Chania and Rethymnon, is home to the highest density of expats on the island. A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. If beaches are a deal-breaker for you, then youre more likely to find soft white sand on Cyprus, some of Cretes beaches can be a bit stony, so if you dont know the beach, you might get a nasty surprise. A loaf of bread in Greece will set you back around 0.80. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. Most expats who move to Crete in later life said their main concerns were the language barrier and healthcare. The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. Finally, Crete is home to lots, and we mean lots, of stray animals. Over 2 million. Winter is also the time of year for one of Cretes most famous and most enjoyable events. But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. Its good to know beforehand what to expect. There is plenty of fresh food grown on the island, and the Greek diet is well-known for its fish, simple dishes, and fresh produce. Of course, you can find rather fancy meals in Crete too. Visit the About Me page for more info. Finally, I also like having tourists join my gastronomic tours of the city every summer, I have fun showing them the alleys of our charming old town and taking them on a savory journey among the staple dishes of our cuisine.. When buying a property you must declare whether its for residence or investment purposes. The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. But what is life in Crete like? Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. I am sure one of the things that you will have on your mind as you consider retiring in Crete Greece, is the medical facility and the quality of the services offered. It's a good place to come if you're determined to learn the local lingo and get involved with the local community, because there's not such an international crowd as elsewhere. Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Moving to Crete wont have the same culture shock as moving to somewhere like Japan. Eating big Mediterranean meals by the sea sounds extremely indulgent, but not only is great food relatively affordable in Crete; it's everywhere too. If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. Great informative story/interview. Corfu doesn't completely close down in winter, especially Corfu town. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. Choose 1 Nationalities Living in Crete, Greece English Latest Blogs by Expats Living in Greece more expat blogs Crete The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. In fact, most people say the only problem walking after dark is the lumps and bumps on the road, which might cause you to trip. If you know what you are in for and have done plenty of research, moving to Crete may just be the best thing you do. Here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of living in Greece, many of which will be expanded upon below. Its definitely worth checking what youll need before you move, so you dont end up paying for over-priced goods. You can find more about Cyprus in our Living In Cyprus The Expats Guide. Property value has gone up in recent years with an apartment in the city center of Chania costing anywhere between. In this case, you can qualify for residency through investment (Golden Visa). If you want to brush shoulders with celebrities and live the high life on the island, the northeastern village of Elounda is a charming fishing village turned playground of the rich and famous. While you have to pay for refuse collection, your basic monthly outgoings for water, electricity, and such will be around 150 (130) a month. If you live in Crete all year and dont need to find everything into a two-week holiday window, youll find yourself enjoying the temperate winter months as much, if not more, than summer. I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. Youll find more private options available in urban areas, but there are still private hospitals in rural areas too. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. Ferry companies that connect mainland Greece to Crete: Crete schools with addresses and contact details , Crete hospitals, health centres, regional clinics and other information on healthcare . You can check your options in our Living In Greece guide: https://expatra.com/guides/greece/living-in-greece-the-expats-guide/ in Residency for non-EU citizens section. International health insurance can be quite expensive. A forum community dedicated to expatriates and enthusiasts. Greece has some pretty amazing food. Can you help at all? The quality of services offered is of high standards, and my husband who is from Denmark says that the doctors here are very thorough and very attentive. Cost of living in Crete in 2023 Cost of living in Crete (Greece) In the last decade, Crete has become the most favoured place of residence among Western expats, even more popular than Athens and Thessaloniki, especially among those who choose to retire in this country with a golden visa. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. Hi I lived in Crete ( Elounda)for a number of years and totally enjoyed every minute of it. This is the best way to get in touch with the locals, learn about their lives on the island, and discover incredible places that not everyone knows about. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. The Greek authorities can refuse your residency for this. Had bern thinking of Greece as a retirement possibility from Hamburg Germany This gives Crete its rich history and traveling around the island youll see remnants of many of these periods. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. Its in close proximity to the Greek islands and has good international connections. hi there, I dont live in greece, but we are considering it too! EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. Hi folks, sorry for a slow reply but I only just joined this forum. The overall economy on the island is strong relative to the rest of Greece. Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. Life in Crete, Greece Name: Gabi Ancarola Age: 48 Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina Her Story: "I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. After this, you will need to apply for permanent residency. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. Here youll be in the minority and will be surrounded by locals and other Greeks. Its certainly not a bad place to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day. Long story short, I work for the US Government and have an opportunity to apply for a position in Souda Bay, Crete. hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. Overall, Crete is one of the best islands to move to if you want a Mediterranean lifestyle. For example, rent on an inner-city apartment in Greece will set you back about 335 (300), while rural rent on an apartment of the same size will be around 280 (250). It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. If officials say theyll get back to you within five days and they dont, dont be surprised. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. We are both UK retired residents , and currently live there . Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days. People may indicate one way and then turn another, drive up the other side of the road, stop to have a chat, or even crash traffic lights. Both violent crime and drug-related crime rates are considerably lower in Greece. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. Greece is not known for having a fast bureaucratic system, so youll want to allow as much time as possible to get the paperwork sorted. Both islands have so much to offer in terms of history and culture, so realistically, either island is great to visit as a tourist. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. Generally walking or stumbling, the short distance home doesnt leave you feeling unsafe or glancing over your shoulder. Once youve found an area right for your needs, the next logical step is to buy a property. hope that helps! If you dont want to buy immediately and are looking to rent before taking the plunge, youll find more options in the larger towns. For a flat in a decent part of Chania, or any other major town, youre looking at 350 per month for one bedroom. I was just wondering if you know where I would have to pay tax? Report inappropriate content. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. The Best Places To Live In Greece For Expats, Living In Greece: Essential Expat Guide 2023, Greece: Visa & Residency Options For Non-EU Nationals, Living In Santorini: Expat Essential Guide, How do I become a resident of Crete non-EU citizens. Most things are very similar to other European countries. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. I'm new here. In Athens, you can expect to pay around 9.50 per square metre, but only 5.25 per square metre in somewhere like rural Thessaloniki. Generally, this must be completed at the Greek consulate in your home country. My private pension pays me circa 1,500 a month , we have no other income . Crete is blessedly cooler (but still very warm), and in winter, the temperature drops, and you get a better winter season. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. The closest airport is in Volos, around 90 minutes away, meaning you still have good international connections but can enjoy some peace and quiet too. In the survey Expat Insider asked respondents to rate and provide information about how it is to live as expat in 65 countries around the world that are considered as key destinations for expats. However, Crete has more of a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. The quality of life in Crete is generally considered to be excellent. To avoid this its best to hire an accountant to take care of your annual tax returns. Most of these villages have year round services but on a smallish scale. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Similarly, you can only be evicted for not paying rent, so renters generally have more rights in Greece than in countries like the UK or the USA. In mainland Greece, earthquakes up to seven in magnitude have been recorded in the past, rising to up to 7.2 in islands like Crete. I have lived here for 6 years now and I have not heard of any serious crimes, just some pick pocketing in Chania which happens a lot during the tourist season. This will hopefully give you time to work out where would be best for you to settle down. I was just wondering if you know anything about the tax situation between Greece and the UK. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. To qualify, applicants must not have been tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 financial years. If Crete sounds like the place for you, jump on a plane or a boat, and find out! The people are cool. And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month. and impressive gorges. You have to follow non-EU application procedures. Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. Save. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. Hi Eirene, what a wonderful location you have chosen. If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. Choosing just one favorite place to hang out in Chanias Old Town is difficult because there are tons of fantastic restaurants in Chania. When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. If you dont take that job offer I would. After years of putting up with Milans rainy winters, I moved to Crete, Greece with my two kids where I write about the island for different media. Laidback way of living Although summer can be delightful with lots happening, plenty of people, and an enjoyable atmosphere, there remains that calm, relaxed vibe of life on an island. It really depends on your preferences. Emily always takes the scenic route to get to the heart of a country and when she isn't writing, she can be found outside with her two dogs Hugo and Suzette. Crete welcomed a brand-new hospital in Chania in 2000, and its still relatively modern and up to date. If you are looking to move to Crete to enjoy the peace and quiet of your retirement years, then there is plenty to look forward to. Both the mainland and the islands essentially see 365 days of sunshine a year. Do you want city living or countryside living? Once granted, you only need to renew it if your circumstances change, and you must fill out versions for both you and your children (if applicable). He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece? Please could you send me details of a recommended estate agent who can help an expat with a house purchase. This festival involves lots of ceremonies by the water, and youll find lots of swimming events. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Lets talk about retiring in Crete Greece, and the cons and pros of living in Crete. In January, we have some days when the temperatures can go as high as 25 degrees Celsius, and night temperatures are between 10 and 17 degrees Celsius. Ministry for Migration and Asylum website, compare international health insurance options, How To Access Healthcare When You Move Abroad. If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. This is one of the Greek islands that I am considering for my retirement. This gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the area and with local regulations. Id encourage you to discuss your circumstances with the Greek authorities. Hi Wondered about local taxes and costs for electric supplies? Im really confused what I need to do!! Theres not much that I dislike about the island. The best way to do this is with the Golden Visa as it brings a lot of advantages, but not everyone has the spare cash to invest. Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals, compare international health insurance options, The Expat Guide To UK Pensions Abroad: Understand Your Options, The Essential Guide To Cost-Effective International Removals, https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Even if this might sound contradictory, I enjoy driving in Crete. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. 470 reviews. For example, utilities cost around 30% less, internet is 20% less, and renting an apartment in central Athens will set you back at around 670 compared to 3,150 in central London. 47,401 posts. City Guides | Travel the World | Living Abroad | Travel Guides | Adventure Travel | Digital Nomad Life | Valencia, Spain | California, USA | The Netherlands | How to Plan a Trip, I consent to the storage of my data according to the Privacy Policy, - From Short Trips to Traveling the World & Living Abroad -, Living in Cuba: Things You Want to Know Before Moving Here, A Perfect Catalina Island Day Trip the, Why You Shouldnt Buy Seashells or Take Them, A Moving Abroad Checklist: Things to Do Before You Move Abroad, Things to Know if You Want to Go Sailing in Greece, Why Moving Abroad is Such a Valuable Experience, Things to Concider Before Moving to Another Country. Excellent education, quality of life, welcoming communities and stunning outdoor scenery are just some of the main reasons why people choose to live in Canada as an expat. Youll probably find it difficult to get a mortgage through a Greek bank, so many expats do so through international lenders. Nov 10, 2014. One being, what kind of life are you looking to live in Crete?